Which Tweeter preferred- dome natural material, Beryllium/Metal or Planar Ribbon? Why?


This is bugging me. Just as I think I have the

right answer it slips through my fingers. 

 

Let's not consider cost in this opinion poll.

 

For example-

Pick one of the types of tweeters

Choice- Planar Ribbon

Reason-Low moving mass and larger surface area vs domes.

 

Everyone should have an opinion here unless they are relatively new to the game.

Lets see if we all learn something new!

chorus

Back to tweeters….

Best I’ve heard so far are the ribbons on the Quad z-2. 

As described in Stereophile … as it goes in the wrriteup goes for the smaller lower quad speakers  

Have heard the quad S-2 that have a smaller version … “were incandescent in”there highs  I think the z-2 exceed the S-2 and should as the tweeter is twice the size.

last favorite was the titanium domes on psb speakers  

magenapan quasi ribbon was not as transparent but haven’t yet heard the new revamped Maggie’s  

look forward to my next steps up to beryllium and diamond done  

dont like the myriad of soft tweeters speakers (of differing materials) I’ve heard as they dont get brass instruments and cymbals right with the proper metallic clang  

 

 

 


 

For me its all about fatigue. I've built a few speakers and the metals don't work for me. Recently tried the Scanspeak Illuminator and they were very nice. The 2608 was a bit lifeless. The Dynaudio D28/2 and the D260 are my favorites and I could listen to all day. I have not heard a good ribbon and would like to try that soon. Would pair it with some oider Dynaudio 17W75s or a Scanspeak 4531. You all already gave me some ideas - thanks.

Kapton for ribbon midranges and tweeters for higher power handling, but not quite as smooth as mylar. Aluminum for cylindrical tweeters and midranges seem less harsh sounding than titanium. I've not tried beryllium so no opinion but some swear by beryllium.

@chorus , mass and surface area are minor issues in comparison to this. True ribbons are like ESLs, a force over area drive system. Every molecule of the ribbon is controlled by the electrical signal. Dynamic speakers use a voice coil to drive a diaphragm. The diaphragm is expected to follow the movement of the voice coil perfectly. It is not controlled directly by the signal. It adds an uncontrolled resonating mass to the drive. The end result is significantly more distortion. By making a long ribbon ala Magnepan you can form a line source which is very difficult to do with dynamic drivers. Many have tried and failed. Line source speakers have significant advantages over point source speakers. There is one problem with ribbons. They can be rather fragile.